Veganism myths debunked: Infographic

Love this infographic from Mother Nature Network that lists a variety of common myths and false perceptions about veganism... http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/veganism-myths-debunked-infographic

Among them:

1. Vegans don't get enough protein
2. Vegan diets are unhealthy
3. Being Vegan is Expensive

Bet you didn't know these things were made from animals!

As if it isn't enough that you to have to read the ingredients to find hidden animal by-products like lard and gelatin, here's a list of everyday items that surprisingly could contain animals...

1. 1. Toothpaste (eeewww meat toothpaste)
2. 2. Tires on cars or bikes (may contain stearic acid)
3. 3. Stuff made with wood like furniture or wooden musical instruments because they are glued together with animal based glue.
4. Biofuels (there's actually chicken and beef biodiesel)
5. Fireworks (stearic acid again)
6. Fabric softener (tallow is the culprit here)
7. Shampoo and conditioner (wtf!)
8. Plastic bags (again...wtf?)

Add to this list sugar which I previously blogged about and wine (blogged about in Is your wine vegetarian? )

Read the full article here: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/9-surprising-items-made-with-animal-ingredients.html

Vegan Pumpkin Pudding

Ingredients:
1 lb silken tofu
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup maple syrup
1 cup canned pumpkin, unsweetened
3/4 tsp cinnanom
1/2 tsp mace
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Blend all ingredients in a food processor. The pudding may be a bit runny but will firm up in the fridge.

Pour into four serving dishes

Top with whipped, sweetened coconut milk (or for non-vegan—fresh whipped cream). To make the whipped coconut milk you will need a whipped cream dispenser. This is the one I use from WhipRite: http://www.creamright.com/product/WCD-AM-300BA-AL.html

Pour in chilled, low or full fat coconut milk with a couple of tablespoons of maple syrup. Shake very well to firm up the cream.


Serves 4

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving (without topping)

   248 Calories
   6 g Fat (20.0% calories from fat)
   10g Protein
   43g Carbohydrate
   3g Dietary Fiber
   0mg Cholesterol
   283mg Sodium